Key Takeaways
- Astana will launch the Smart City project in December 2025, aimed at digitizing urban infrastructure using AI.
- President Tokayev encourages the expansion of the initiative to major cities including Almaty, Shymkent, and Karaganda.
- Implementation will require an investment of US$500–700 million and a focus on standardized digitization and training for 5,000 AI specialists annually.
Smart City Project Launching in Astana
In December 2025, Astana plans to initiate the Smart City project, designed to modernize urban infrastructure through artificial intelligence (AI). President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has commended the government and city administrators for their preparations and has urged the expansion of the initiative to other significant cities in Kazakhstan, including Almaty, Shymkent, and Karaganda.
The Smart City project aims to automate city services and optimize the transport system, enhancing energy efficiency and bolstering security and environmental monitoring efforts. A centralized platform will integrate data from various city systems, leading to improved services and functionality.
Key features of the project include the introduction of smart traffic lights, which are expected to decrease traffic congestion by 15-20 percent, and enhancements to public transport with electronic ticketing and real-time route tracking. Additionally, video surveillance systems equipped with facial recognition technology will also be implemented. In the energy sector, smart meters are anticipated to reduce household electricity consumption by 10-12 percent.
To support the expansion into other regions, it is estimated that the project will require an investment between US$500 and 700 million. Smart traffic lights are currently in the process of being deployed in Almaty, and Shymkent will see initiatives aimed at environmental monitoring. Karaganda is set to digitize its industrial facilities.
For the successful rollout of this ambitious project, it is crucial to establish consistent digitization standards and ensure the transparent allocation of funds. Moreover, the project necessitates training around 5,000 specialists annually in AI and data analytics to bolster the workforce needed for sustained innovation and development.
Overall, the Smart City initiative represents a progressive step toward transforming Kazakhstan’s urban landscape, aligning it with modern digital solutions that promise to enhance quality of life for its residents.
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